Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Risk, Prevention and Screening

An estimated 3,630 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year in our province. One in six British Columbians will be diagnosed in their lifetime. To raise awareness for life-saving colorectal cancer prevention and screening, we enlisted BC Cancer for some Q&A about one of the most common cancers to affect both men and women in B.C.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer includes both colon cancer and rectal cancer. It begins in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum which connects the colon to the anus.

Most colorectal cancers develop slowly over time, often starting as non-cancerous growths or clumps of cells called polyps that can later become cancer.

What are Colorectal Cancer Symptoms?

In its early stages, colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms — which can also be caused by other conditions — may appear, including:

• Changes in bowel habits (such as constipation, diarrhea or size of stool)
• Blood in stool, either visible or hidden
• Abdominal bloating or discomfort,
• Pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back
• Increased urinary frequency
• Fatigue, anemia (low iron), nausea or unexplained weight loss

Because colorectal cancer symptoms may not appear until later stages, screening is critical.

Contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Who is at Risk of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is more common in people over the age of 50, bur rates are increasing among younger adults. Risk is higher for people who:

• Have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer are at a higher risk
• Have had polyps or adenomas (non-cancerous tumours) in the colon

Lifestyle factors also play an important role. Research shows that diet, physical activity and body weight can influence colorectal cancer risk. A diet low in fibre and high in fat, drinking alcohol (especially in men who have two or more drinks a day), excess body or abdominal fat and tobacco usage can increase your likelihood of developing the disease.

How Can I Prevent Colorectal Cancer?

Make Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Up to half of colorectal cancers may be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. Along with staying active, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, diet plays a key role in colorectal cancer prevention.

A high-fibre diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes supports gut health and helps reduce cancer risk. Limiting high-fat foods and processed meats is also recommended.

Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods

Emerging research is exploring how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may increase colorectal cancer risk. UPFs are industrially made foods like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant meals and ready-to-eat items. These foods are often high in added sugar, fat and salt, and may contain additives that affect the gut microbiome.

BC Cancer is leading a study that has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to examine how diets high in UPFs may contribute to colorectal cancer. The research investigates whether cancer risk is linked to additives, nutrient content or changes in gut bacteria that can trigger cancer-related biological pathways.

While research continues, experts recommend limiting UPFs and choosing whole or minimally processed foods whenever possible.

Why Can I Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer?

In general, anyone between the ages of 50 to 74 with no symptoms should get screened for colorectal cancer. For people of average risk and without symptoms, there are two main screening options:

• A Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): a simple, at-home test that checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer.
• A colonoscopy: recommended if FIT results are abnormal or for individuals at higher than average risk — during a colonoscopy, a physician uses a miniature camera attached to a flexible tube to view the inside lining of the colon and remove polyps before they become cancer

If you have concerns or symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Source: BC Cancer